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[Relation between serologic verification and anamnestic data on the principal virus diseases of infancy]
M L Profeta1, P Ferrante, D Mendogni
1Istituto di Virologia dell'Università degli Studi di Milano.
Abstract:
Serologic status of about 300 subjects (age: 2-15 years) for measles, rubella, varicella and mumps was compared with the anamnestic recall of their mothers. Measles, rubella and varicella antibodies were determined by ELISA methods. Mumps antibodies were titrated by hemagglutination-inhibition test. Serology agreed with the clinical history of the subject in 83% of the cases for measles, in 69% for rubella, in 87% for varicella and in 82% for mumps. The frequency of seronegative subjects who were reported to have had the disease was low (less than 8%) for each of the four viruses. The opposite situation was found in the 8% of the subjects for measles, in 23% for rubella, in 10% for varicella and in 13% for mumps. In general there was no significant difference in the rate of disagreements between serology and history of the disease in relation to mothers' schooling and occupation (house wives or mothers who work outside the home). Geometric mean titers of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody to mumps virus sharply declined 3-4 years after the disease and stabilized thereafter. Prevalence of antibodies according to age shows that measles, rubella and varicella antibodies are acquired early in life, while 29% of the subjects 14-15 years of age still lacked mumps antibodies.
Insights
Maternal recall of childhood diseases like measles and varicella showed moderate agreement with serologic testing in children. However, discrepancies highlight the need for accurate vaccination records and serological confirmation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Vaccine-preventable diseases
Context:
- Assessing the reliability of maternal recall for childhood illnesses is crucial for understanding disease history and immunity.
- Serological testing provides objective data on immune status against viral infections.
- Discrepancies between reported history and serology can impact public health assessments.
Purpose:
- To compare the accuracy of maternal recall of childhood viral infections (measles, rubella, varicella, mumps) with objective serological findings in children aged 2-15 years.
- To evaluate the frequency of agreement and disagreement between clinical history and antibody presence.
- To investigate potential correlations with maternal education and occupation.
Summary:
- Serological testing for measles, rubella, varicella, and mumps was compared to maternal recall in 300 children (2-15 years).
- Agreement rates varied: measles (83%), rubella (69%), varicella (87%), and mumps (82%).
- Low rates of seronegativity despite reported disease, but significant percentages lacked antibodies despite no reported history, particularly for rubella and mumps. Antibody titers for mumps declined significantly 3-4 years post-infection. Measles, rubella, and varicella antibodies were acquired early, but 29% of 14-15 year olds lacked mumps antibodies.
Impact:
- Highlights limitations of relying solely on parental recall for disease history, emphasizing the importance of vaccination records.
- Identifies specific viruses (rubella, mumps) with higher rates of historical recall-serology discordance.
- Informs public health strategies regarding disease surveillance and vaccination program effectiveness, especially for mumps in adolescents.